User experience evaluation for user interface redesign: A case study on a bike sharing application

Abstract

Mobile application redesign requires the accurate use of design methods and guidelines, as well as detailed evaluation. In the context of alternative and environmentally friendly transportation supported by mobile applications, the redesign process can help enhancing the user experience resulting in a greater adherence of the citizen. To illustrate this scenario and inspire designers to further consider the user experience aspects, we present a case study of the redesign of Bicicletar, a Brazilian bike-sharing application. Our main goal is to analyze how the User Experience (UX) with this outdoor mobility application may affect the design choices in the User Interface. Overall, our iterative redesign process comprised: (1) UX evaluation of the application in the real usage context; (2) redesign of the application through a high-fidelity prototype; and (3) prototype validation. The results showed that the user experience problems regarding the identification and interaction with the main features of Bicicletar affected the perceived usability of the application. On the other hand, the redesigned prototype improvements on the user interface positively affected not only the user experience but also how the users trust the application. The present research is a starting point for the implementation of improvements in Bicicletar and in over 10 variations of this application in other Brazilian states, benefiting the local community, and serving as a reference for the redesign of other mobile applications.